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NLD 10th Anniversary



A PROUD DATE FOR THE NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY
BurmaNews - BC:  September 27, 1998

Today marks the tenth anniversary of the founding of Burma's leading
political party, the National League for Democracy.

To some, the occasion which should have been a season for celebration seems
more like a time for a funeral wake.  Over a thousand members of the party
have been detained over the last few months, hundreds are in exile, scores
are imprisoned, and those who remain at liberty in Burma are under constant
surveillance and prevented from travelling about the country in performance
of their duties as a legally constituted political party.

The headlines from the large international news agencies today pay more
attention to what the country's ruling generals are doing to suppress the
party than to the accomplishments of the party itself.

But here at the Burma Courier, we want to go against the grain.  We want to
say to the National League for Democracy:  Congratulations!  This is a
great moment for you and for democracy in Burma.

Right from the beginning in September 1988, the NLD laid down its
objectives as follows : (a) to establish a genuine democratic country with
the consent of the people which guarantees fundamental human rights; (b) to
systematically create a democratic movement based on the strength of the
people's unity through the leadership of the NLD; (c) to lay a foundation
for the preservation of a long-lasting Union in harmony with the will of
the people for generations to come; (d) to strive to prevent the return of
repressive and despotic political systems.    

Today, wherever you are, in prisons, in holding centres on military bases,
in government "guest houses", in homes under the beady glare of MIS
operatives and USDA goon squads, in exile or wherever you may be, you are
doing yourselves proud in sticking to the principles that the NLD has
honoured and striven after for ten difficult, trying years.

The people of Burma and the friends of free Burma all over the world are
proud to be associated with you in your stand for the rights and liberties
of all the citizens of your nation, including those who persecute you.

Keep steady on the course, those of you who are joined together in Burma's
League for Democracy.  You are being tried and tested, as those who have
struggled to uphold the people's right to govern themselves in many
countries have constantly experienced

These are dark days.  But your time is coming.  The next ten years will
bring change to Burma and the change will be for the better, thanks to your
courage and willingness to sacrifice for the principles your party has
always stood for.

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